Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk - podcast cover

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Air Traffic Talkwww.opposingbases.com
RH and AG are two experienced air traffic controllers and pilots that host a weekly show answering listener questions, breaking down complex aviation topics, and relating their experiences to everyday occurrences in the national airspace system. The hosts and guests do not represent the FAA or NATCA and express their own views and opinions.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

OB240: Sleepless in Oshkosh

Episode 240 Show Notes Topic of the show: On today’s show, we are digging deep into the inbox. We discuss some more feedback on missed approach cockpit chaos, tricks on avoiding talking to centers altogether, and proper use of airports as part of a clearance route. This episode is packed with aviation information and entertainment! Enjoy! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CP sent audio illustrating real callsign struggles. #alphabetsoup 2 . BC calls out RH for his slip of the tongue. 3 . SGAC Patron M...

Aug 08, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 240

Live at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022

Special live episode from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 ! RH and AG would like to thank AOPA for hosting our 3rd live show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 next to the AOPA Pavilion at the 39 Lounge. AOPA's mission is to ensure that the sky remains within reach of everyone who dreams of becoming a pilot. And our mission on the show is to share our passion for aviation while educating and entertaining our worldwide audience. And a special thanks to SGAC Sierra Echo for helping with this year's live p...

Aug 01, 20221 hr 8 min

OB239: Radio Calls Are Toll Free

Episode 239 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH give their opinion on a disagreement between pilots at a non-towered airport and discuss the importance of timely radio calls and announcing your position. We also discuss LPV approaches and get to more of your feedback regarding missed approach instructions. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CWS got a great tour! 2 . Patron TG shares some kind words about the show. Thank you! 3, 4, 5 . Patrons AW, GF, and CH share their thoughts on alternate missed ...

Jul 25, 20221 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 239

OB238: Standby Me

Episode 238 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener’s question about when controllers should stay quiet or minimize instructions due to pilot workload and task saturation. We also discuss ways a controller can combat workload increases with the help of another set of eyes. This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don’t want to miss it! Timely Feedback: 1 . JW sent a fun EFB trick where you can add pattern entry to your flight path for situational awareness. 2 . Patron WO ...

Jul 18, 20221 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 238

OB237: 2022 AirVenture Notice-Rock Your Wings!

Episode 237 Show Notes Topic of the show: RH is joined by Dispatcher Mike to discuss the 2022 EAA AirVenture NOTICE. We share our experiences flying into AirVenture so you can prepare for your arrival into the busiest airspace in the world. Follow along with the 2022 AirVenture Notice and get answers to all your questions related to the NOTICE. Timely Feedback: 1 . Juliet Sierra clarifies the runway crossing phraseology. 2 . Patron MEH shares kind words about the show. Thank you! Find the 2022 F...

Jul 12, 20221 hr 47 minSeason 1Ep. 237

OB236: High Alert False Alarm

Episode 236 Show Notes Topic of the show: When a pilot gets a low altitude alert, it should get their attention. And when you’re getting a low altitude alert in a climb, it can be very confusing. On this week’s show, we will discuss audio feedback about low altitude alerts. When do we issue safety alerts? Why does our judgement matter when we receive unusual alarms? We also share some insight into why some tower controllers can’t issue vectors. Timely Feedback: 1 . SB wants to give a shout out t...

Jul 11, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 236

SimVenture 2022-Master the EAA AirVenture NOTICE

PilotEdge-SimVenture Oshkosh 2022 Topic of the show: AG and RH sit down with Kevin from PilotEdge to discuss SimVenture Oshkosh 2022. Do you want to practice the EAA AirVenture NOTICE before you fly to Oshkosh? Why not master the procedures in the comfort of your own home on a flight simulator while talking to real, live Oshkosh air traffic controllers? What is SimVenture? https://www.pilotedge.net/pages/simventure Check out the 2022 PilotEdge SimVenture 2022 video : https://youtu.be/OMSoaUbERSU...

Jul 07, 20221 hr 12 min

OB235: Inadvertent VFR Flight Into IMC

Episode 235 Show Notes Topic of the show: Inadvertent flight into IMC while operating under VFR rules can be deadly, especially for a pilot without an instrument rating. On this week’s episode we hear from a pilot that flew into the clouds and beat the odds. We share our thoughts on what a pilot should do if this happens to them and what to say to ATC. We also get to some more aviation questions and awesome feedback! Happy 4th of July, America! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron JW shares a picture of ...

Jul 04, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 235

OB234: Slightly Squeezed, Not Mashed

Episode 234 Show Notes Topic of the show: When a squeeze play looks like it can only get worse, a controller has to do something to stop it. On this week’s episode, we will break down an intersecting runway arrival/departure squeeze play that resulted in a canceled takeoff clearance instead of a go around. Why did this happen? What types of things are being considered during a squeeze play like this one? We also discuss situational awareness on a cross country flight to an unfamiliar airport, ap...

Jun 27, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 1Ep. 234

OB233: Because . . . Chinook

Episode 233 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss procedures like Line Up and Wait (LUAW) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) that are not available at all towered airports. Why aren’t these procedures used everywhere and what type of considerations are made when using them to keep traffic moving efficiently? We also discuss electronic flight bag routing suggestions, Class Bravo clearances, runway crossing instructions, and more of your awesome aviation comments/feedback. Timely Feedback: ...

Jun 20, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 233

OB232: One Touch Wonder

Episode 232 Show Notes Topic of the show: This week we discuss runway crossing clearances, VFR holding patterns, and a casual TCAS RA exchange. Do you love aviation? Do you have a question about air traffic control or flying? Are you interested in aviation or working on your ratings to become a pilot? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is the show for you! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron JEC sent clarification audio regarding “track runway heading”. 2 . Patron RM shares a fun fact a...

Jun 13, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 232

OB231: Wings Do Things

Episode 231 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s installment of Opposing Bases, AG and RH discuss what triggers a mandatory report, why we file them, and what happens with the data that's collected. We also discuss being taken out to sea too far, flight following items to include in your callup to ATC, and much more. You don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron SE sent a pro tip about TEC routes used out West. Thank you! 2 . Patron PWK shared his experience with ...

Jun 06, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 231

OB230: Caveman ATC

Episode 230 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss routing additions to flight following, obstacle departure changes, reroutes, filing IFR with ATC on the ground, and much, much more! This week’s episode is based entirely on listener questions about the NAS, flying, and ATC! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron PV has some follow up questions on block altitudes and controller visual memory aids. Feedback Patron CKA sent a link about ODPs:( https://pilotworkshop.com/win-sim-ifrm-0921/ TB sent a q...

May 30, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 230

OB229: Bravo Bamboozled

Episode 229 Show Notes Topic of the show: Did the controller say the magic words and clear you into the Bravo airspace? AG and RH offer their opinions on implied Bravo clearances and how you can handle the situation. We also discuss safe and effective means of allowing your student to make mistakes along the way. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CA sent some great suggestions regarding CTAF congestion. 2 . Patron EH shares some background on the GPS approach under the Devil Bravo. 3 . Patron SC share...

May 23, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 229

OB228: Hijacked by the Autopilot

Episode 228 Show Notes Topic of the show: When does a botched approach cross the line into a possible pilot deviation? We will discuss our opinions on the use of automation during an approach, proper monitoring of the autopilot, and how to best comply with controller instructions. We also discuss speed restrictions, setting up for the runway in use on a windy day, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron CM missed the meeting . . . and it’s RH’s ...

May 16, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 228

OB227: Cancellation Cookies and Bravo Bullies

Episode 227 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH talk about life before GPS, stray visual approach paths, and forced IFR cancellation. We also hear from a couple pilots that overflew Bravo and didn’t realize they were in the worst spot possible. This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don’t want to miss it! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron Sierra Bravo want to know if “cookies for cancellations” is a real thing or just a myth? 2 . The Terps Elf heard our call for a change to “N/A at Ni...

May 09, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 227

OB226: Reduce Speed Ten Knots Faster

Episode 226 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a listener’s text message exchange when ATC thought his radios were not working. What do we suggest with using cell phones and having a backup communication device when flying in the NAS? We also discuss impossible ATC instructions, check in delays, priority for ground stops, and closely situated airspaces that place pilots close or inside of adjacent airspace. Timely Feedback: 1 . Romeo Mike brags about his amazing car from 1982. 2 . P...

May 02, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 226

OB225: Laser Event Swat Team

Episode 225 Show Notes Topic of the show: Today’s show is all about going “down the tubes”. What is going on in the tracon to create the feeling that you are behind, unable to get a second to think, and too busy to do even one more thing? AG and RH discuss the tasks that make us feel like we are slammed in the radar room. We also discuss a recent laser light illumination police encounter, an approach minimums response from the Terps Elf, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback! ...

Apr 25, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 225

OB224: Warm and Fuzzy Wake Turbulence Avoidance

Episode 224 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH revisit wake turbulence avoidance and interactions with control towers that may be placing pilots in a tight spot behind a larger, wake producing aircraft. What can pilots do to prevent inadvertent wake encounters and more importantly, how can they safely convey their needs to ATC? Sometimes telling ATC “unable” is the start of a valuable exchange of information that can keep the plane safe! We also discuss low altitude warnings, helicopter whi...

Apr 18, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 224

OB223: Shiny Aluminum Showers

Episode 223 Show Notes Topic of the show: How do we stay off the landline and why is it an important controller skill? On this week’s show, RH goes off on a rant about the misuse of landlines and the lessons he learned as a trainee to use them sparingly. We also talk about “landing assured”, a busy flight school pattern, and LPV approaches. This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss a minute! Enjoy! Timely Feedback: 1 . Sierra Golf shares some feedback about small GA aircraft going to M...

Apr 11, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 223

OB222: Separation Bingo

Episode 222 Show Notes Topic of the show: When a pilot calls up for an airborne IFR clearance and is dangerously close to an unidentified target on our scopes, when do our separation responsibility begin? How do we protect against a midair collision when we are not talking to both aircraft? We share our thoughts on this great question and we also discuss forced flight following, controller mistakes, and more of your awesome aviation questions! Special “Charlie Alpha” segment included in this wee...

Apr 04, 20221 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 222

OB221: We Were on the Landline

Episode 221 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH often refer to the landlines. What do we use them for and why are they such an important part of our job? We also discuss military round robin flights, airport approach path obstructions, and the Boeing 737. This week is jam packed with valuable aviation information and a special guest co-host: Captain Dana! Captain Dana flies the Boeing 737 and shares his thoughts about the aircraft and adds some great insight from the professional pilot side ...

Mar 28, 20221 hr 22 minSeason 1Ep. 221

Penguins and Peppers

AG and RH offer this fun compilation of some of our favorite moments on the show. Enjoy the mix from several previously recorded episodes!

Mar 21, 20221 hr 20 min

OB220: Airspace Blocks and Bathroom Locks

Episode 220 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss what it means when we block airspace near an adjacent sector or facility. How do we keep up with all our control instructions and what memory aids are available to keep things straight? We answer a ton of aviation questions this week so you don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Papa Victor shares another fun car feature from the 80’s. 2 . PATRON Sierra Charlie reminds us how awesome a Yugo was to drive! 3 . PATRON...

Mar 14, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 220

OB219: Don't Rush the Release

Episode 219 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss the finer points of departing a non-towered airport with an IFR clearance. Why can't you just depart in VMC and skip the release? What could this pilot have done differently to avoid upsetting the controllers and possibly violating a regulation? We will share our thoughts and get to many more aviation questions. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron Bravo Sierra shares details about his Class Delta/Bravo transition from last week’s show. 2 . Echo...

Mar 07, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 219

OB218: Flying With The Big Kids

Episode 218 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a pilot’s denied deviation requests, Class Bravo clearances, and VFR flight following with electrical problems. We cover a lot in this episode so you won’t want to miss it! Timely Feedback: PATRON Mike Kilo shares his tips on getting what you need from ATC and shared this great article about Brasher Warnings: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/technique/dude-youre-busted/ 2 . Charlie Golf shares the regulation on night landings. 3 . Tango Cha...

Feb 28, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 218

OB217: Unable, We're Inverted

Episode 217 Show Notes Topic of the show: What if the controller denies your request for a weather related course deviation? How can the pilot stay safe but comply with air traffic instructions? We will offer our tips on how to negotiate and communicate when you’re flying towards imminent danger! We also discuss snow and ice, preparation for a shift, and super low LPV minimums. You don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Juliet Mike sent in awesome audio about wake turbulenc...

Feb 21, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 217

OB216: Wake Turbulence Part 2-Creating Space

Episode 216 Show Notes Topic of the show: On last week’s episode, we discussed wake turbulence separation from a controller perspective. This week we will share some practical advice on what to say to the controller when you’re asked to follow a large or heavy aircraft. Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Juliet Mike’s world was shaken when he realized who was who on the live stream. 2 . PATRON Juliet Hotel recommended a local back course approach. #fun Feedback Papa Whiskey shared a recent story where ...

Feb 14, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 216

OB215: Wake Turbulence: Flaming Hoops of Fury

Episode 215 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss wake turbulence avoidance from a controller’s perspective. How can you stay away from the dangerous wake of a larger aircraft but still get the safest and most efficient service from air traffic control? You may be surprised how we feel about wake turbulence so don’t miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . The Terps Elf shares some data about approaches in the NAS! https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_inven...

Feb 07, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 215

OB214: Cookies for Aviation Enthusiasts

Episode 214 Show Notes Topic of the show: We are going to discuss what happens when a pilot terminates an IFR flight plan before being handed off on an approach to a Class Delta tower. What happened to “cookies for cancellations”? This and much more on another fun episode you won’t want to miss! Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON EW shares some kind words about a TRIAD controller. Thank you! 2 . PATRON JW3 wants forgiveness for moving big planes onto the taxiways. 3 . PATRON WTF shares some thoughts ab...

Jan 31, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 214
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast